Oglala Lakota College promotes VP Dawn Frank to succeed retiring president

      Oglala Lakota College Vice President Dr Dawn Frank has been named the school’s next president, succeeding the retiring Dr Thomas Shortbull.

Dr Shortbull steps down July 9 after 31 years as president in 2 stints, 1975-79 and since 1995. 

       Dr Frank has been the Vice President of Instruction at the college in Kyle for the past 9 years after having led its Graduate Studies department. She’s also the school’s Accreditation Liaison Officer to the Higher Learning Commission.

      OLC Board President Dennis Brewer says the board was very impressed with Frank’s credentials and her wealth of experience from leading the college’s Academic Division.

     Brewer also says Frank’s experience and proven leadership skills will bring continuity to the administration and lead Oglala Lakota College into the future.

      Shortbull says he’s “very pleased” with the selection of Frank as his successor, calling her “an experienced manager and extraordinary leader. 

    An enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Frank grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from OLC. Her doctorate is from South Dakota State University.